Touch screen substrate and method of manufacturing a touch screen substrate

ABSTRACT

A method of manufacturing a touch screen substrate includes forming a sensing electrode on a substrate, spraying a first ink and a second ink having a same amount of ink as the first ink to respectively form a first ink droplet and a second ink droplet on a light blocking region of the substrate, and irradiating a first light upon the first ink droplet to form a first spacer having a first height and a second light upon the second ink droplet to form a second spacer having a second height lower than the first height. A total energy of the first light irradiated upon the first ink droplet differs from a total energy of the second light irradiated upon the second ink droplet, and the second spacer makes contact with the sensing electrode.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from Korean PatentApplication No. 2009-120396, filed on Dec. 7, 2009 in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office (KIPO), the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a touchscreen substrate and a method of manufacturing a touch screen substrate.More particularly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention aredirected to a touch screen substrate of a resistive type and a method ofmanufacturing a touch screen substrate.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, a display panel includes a display substrate having a signalline, a thin-film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode, an opposingsubstrate facing the display substrate, and a display element interposedbetween the display substrate and the opposing substrate. For example,the display element may include liquid crystals controlling the lighttransmittance according to a direction and/or an intensity of anelectric field. The display panel may further include a cell gap spacerwhich maintains a cell gap between the display substrate and theopposing substrate.

The display panel may function as a touch panel which recognizesposition data via sensing an outer pressure. A display substrate of adisplay panel functioning as a touch panel further includes a firstsensing electrode and a sensor line separated from the signal line. Thesensor line is spaced apart from the signal line, and the first sensingelectrode is connected to the sensor line. When an outer pressure isapplied to the opposing substrate, a second sensing electrode connectedto a common electrode of the opposing substrate contacts the firstsensing electrode, and then position data of a contact point aretransmitted to a central processing unit through the sensor line. Thedisplay substrate of the display panel functioning as a touch panelfurther includes a touch spacer having a height lower than the cell gapspacer. Either the first sensing electrode or the second sensingelectrode may be formed on the touch spacer to easily make contact withthe first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode under arelatively low pressure condition. Thus, touch sensitivity may beenhanced.

In general, the touch spacer is formed by a photolithography processsimilar to the process for forming the cell gap spacer. An electrodelayer is formed on a substrate including the cell gap spacer and thetouch spacer, and then the sensor line formed on the cell gap spacer isinsulated from the common electrode. To insulate the sensor line and thecommon electrode, the electrode layer is patterned, a first insulationpattern is formed between the electrode layer and the sensor line, or asecond insulation pattern is formed between the electrode layer and thecommon electrode. However, the above-mentioned insulating methodincludes forming a plurality of layers and patterning the layers, andperforming a photolithography process for at least once, and thus themethod of manufacturing the display panel has a relatively longmanufacturing time that increases the manufacturing cost of the displaypanel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a touch screensubstrate capable of improving productivity.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provide a method ofmanufacturing a touch screen substrate capable of simplifying amanufacturing process.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a touchscreen substrate includes an insulation ball, a sensing electrode and aconductive ball. The insulation ball has a first diameter. Theconductive ball is formed on the sensing electrode. The conductive ballhas a second diameter shorter than the first diameter.

In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive ball may be fixed on thesubstrate by a first hardener formed around a first point of contactwith the sensing electrode, and the insulation ball is fixed on thesubstrate by a second hardener formed around a second point of contactwith the substrate.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a touch screensubstrate includes a first spacer, a sensing electrode and a secondspacer in contact with the sensing electrode. The first spacer has afirst height and the second spacer has a second height less than thefirst height.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first spacer is formed from a hardenedphotosensitive insulating ink and the second spacer is formed from ahardened photosensitive conducting ink.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second spacers are formed froma photosensitive insulating ink, and the sensing electrode is formed onthe second spacer.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,there is provided a method of manufacturing a touch screen substrate. Inthe method, a sensing electrode is formed on a substrate. A first inkand a second ink are sprayed on the substrate including the sensingelectrode. The first ink includes a first solvent and insulation ballshaving a first diameter and the second ink includes a second solvent andconductive balls having a second diameter shorter than the firstdiameter. The first and second inks are hardened on the substrate to fixthe insulation balls and the conductive balls onto the substrate, andthe conductive ball is disposed on the sensing electrode.

In an exemplary embodiment; the first and second inks may be sprayedfrom an assembly including a first print head filled with the first inkand a second print head filled with the second ink. The assembly maymove over the substrate for spraying the first and second inks

According to still another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a touch screensubstrate. In the method, a sensing electrode making contact with thesecond spacer is formed on a substrate, and a first ink and a second inkhaving a same amount of ink as the first ink are sprayed on thesubstrate. Light is irradiated upon the first ink and the second ink toform a first spacer having a first height and a second spacer having asecond height lower than the first height. A light intensity provided tothe first ink is different from a light intensity provided to the secondink.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first ink may be a photo-sensitiveinsulator and the second ink may be a photo-sensitive conductor.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second inks may be aphoto-sensitive insulator. Here, the sensing electrode may be formed onthe second spacer.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the cell gap spacerand the touch spacer for sensing an outer pressure are formed by thesame process, improving manufacturing productivity of a touch screenpanel. In addition, the spherically shaped insulation balls andconductive balls used for the cell gap spacer and the touch spacerenhance the touch sensitivity of the touch screen panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a touch screen panel according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I′ of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touchscreen substrate of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic views illustrating a process for formingan insulation ball and a conductive ball of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch screen panelaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touchscreen substrate of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch screen panelaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a plan view illustrating a touch screen substrate of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a touch screen panel manufacturedaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touchscreen substrate of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic views illustrating a process for forminga first spacer and a second spacer of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch screen panelmanufactured according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touchscreen substrate of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a touch screen panel manufacturedaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touchscreen substrate of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch screen panelmanufactured according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touchscreen substrate of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch screen panelmanufactured according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touchscreen substrate of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichexemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. Embodiments ofthe present invention may, however, take many different forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forthherein. In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers andregions may be exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layeror intervening elements or layers may be present. Like numerals refer tolike elements throughout.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will beexplained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a touch screen panel according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is across-sectional view taken along a line I-I′ of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a touch screen panel 501 according to anexemplary embodiment includes a first touch screen substrate 101 as alower substrate, a second touch screen substrate 201 as an uppersubstrate, a liquid crystal layer 300 interposed between the first andsecond touch screen substrates 101 and 201, insulation balls IB andconductive balls CB. The first and second touch screen substrates 101and 201 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.The distance between the first and second touch screen substrates 101and 201 is defined as a cell gap “dt” of the first touch screen panel501.

The first touch screen substrate 101 includes a first base substrate110, a plurality of signal lines including a gate line GL and a dataline DL, a thin-film transistor (TFT) SW, a color filter 150, a blackmatrix pattern 160, a first sensor line TSL1, a first sensing electrodeTSE1 (see FIG. 3, described below), and a pixel electrode PE. The colorfilter 150 and the pixel electrode PE are formed on a first basesubstrate 110 and in a light transmission region TA of the touch screenpanel 501. The gate line GL, the data line DL, the TFT SW, the blackmatrix pattern 160, the first sensor line TSL1 and the first sensingelectrode TSE1 are formed on the first base substrate 110 and in a lightblocking region LBA surrounding the light transmission region TA of thetouch screen panel 501. The insulation balls 1B and the conductive ballsCB are disposed between the first base substrate 110 and the second basesubstrate 210 in the light blocking region LBA.

The gate line GL extends in a first direction D1 of the first touchscreen panel 501, and the data line DL extends in a second direction D2crossing the first direction D1.

The TFT SW includes a gate electrode GE connected to the gate line GL, asource electrode SE connected to the data line DL, a drain electrode DEspaced apart from the source electrode SE, and an active pattern AP. Theactive pattern AP includes a semiconductor layer 132 which is formed ona gate insulation layer 120 covering the gate electrode GE and an ohmiccontact layer 134 disposed on the semiconductor layer 132. An endportion of the drain electrode DE extends to the light transmissionregion TA so that the drain electrode DE is electrically connected tothe pixel electrode PE. The TFT SW is protected by a passivation layer140 formed on the TFT SW.

The color filter 150 is formed on the passivation layer 140 in the lighttransmission region TA. The color filter 150 transmits light providedfrom a backside of the first base substrate 110 so that a viewerperceives color through the second touch screen substrate 201. The colorfilter 150 includes a hole partially exposing the drain electrode DE,and the drain electrode DE is electrically connected to the pixelelectrode PE through the hole.

The black matrix pattern 160 is formed on the passivation layer 140 inthe light blocking region LBA. For example, the black matrix pattern 160is formed on the first base substrate 110 over regions corresponding tothe gate line GL, the data line DL and the TFT SW.

The first sensor line TSL1 may be formed on the black matrix pattern160. The first sensor line TSL1 extends in the first direction D1. Thefirst sensor line TSL1 is spaced apart in the second direction D2 fromthe gate line GL.

The first sensing electrode TSE1 is connected to the first sensor lineTSL1. When the first sensing electrode TSE1 senses pressure, positiondata are output to a central processing unit (not shown) which isconnected to the touch screen panel 501 via the first sensor line TSL1.Adjacent first sensing electrodes TSE1 are electrically connected toeach other by the first sensor line TSL1.

The pixel electrode PE is formed on the color filter layer 150. Thefirst sensor line TSL1 and the first sensing electrode TSE1 are formedfrom a same layer as the pixel electrode PE. The first sensor line TSL1and the first sensing electrode TSE1 are spaced apart from andelectrically separated from the pixel electrode PE.

The second touch screen substrate 201 includes a common electrode CE anda second sensing electrode TSE2 (see FIG. 3, described below) which areformed on the second base substrate 210 facing the first base substrate110. The second sensing electrode TSE2 is formed on the second basesubstrate 210 in the light blocking region LBA. The common electrode CEis formed on the second base substrate 210 in the light transmissionregion TA and the light blocking region LBA except a regioncorresponding to the second sensing electrode TSE2.

Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, when the pixelelectrode PE includes a first opening portion for forming a domain ofliquid crystals, the common electrode CE may include a second openingportion.

The second sensing electrode TSE2 is formed in the light blocking regionLBA and is connected to the common electrode CE. The second sensingelectrode TSE2 is integrally formed with the common electrode CE to besubstantially a portion of the common electrode CE. Functionally, aportion of the common electrode making contact with the first sensingelectrode TSE1 is defined as the second sensing electrode TSE2. Thesecond sensing electrode TSE2 is formed from a same layer as the commonelectrode CE. The second sensing electrode TSE2 will be described indetail with reference to FIG. 3.

Hereinafter, the first and second sensing electrodes TSE1 and TSE2, thefirst sensor line TSL1, the insulation balls IB and the conductive ballsCB will be described in detail referring to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 3, the insulation ball IB and the conductive ball CBare interposed between the first and second base substrates 110 and 210in the light blocking region LBA. For example, the insulation ball IBand the conductive ball CB are disposed on the first base substrate 110in the light blocking region LBA.

The insulation ball IB has a first diameter d₁, a spherical shape andinsulating properties. The first diameter d₁ may be substantially thesame as the cell gap “dt.” The cell gap “dt” may be uniformly maintainedby the insulation ball IB. The insulation ball IB may be disposed on thefirst sensor line TSL1. The insulation ball IB makes contact with thefirst sensor line TSL1 and the common electrode CE. A first portion ofthe insulation ball IB makes contact with the first sensor line TSL1,and a second portion opposite to the first portion of the insulationball IB makes contact with the common electrode CE. Since the insulationball IB has the insulating properties, the first sensor line TSL1 is notelectrically connected to the common electrode CE although theinsulation ball IB is interposed between the first sensor line TSL1 andthe common electrode CE.

The insulation ball IB is fixed on the first touch screen substrate 101by a first hardener 10 which is formed around a first contact pointbetween the insulation ball IB and the first sensor line TSL1. The firsthardener 10 is formed around the first contact point when the insulationball IB is disposed on the first touch screen substrate 101.

The conductive ball CB is formed on the first sensing electrode TSE1.The conductive ball CB has a second diameter d₂, a spherical shape andconductive properties. For example, the conductive ball CB may include acore CR formed from an insulation resin and a conductive layer CLsurrounding the core CR. Alternatively, the conductive ball CB mayinclude a metal core having conductive properties so that the conductiveball CB has conductive properties in itself. The second diameter d₂ isless than the first diameter d₁. For example, the second diameter d₂ maybe in a range between about 95% and about 75% of the first diameter d₁.When the conductive ball CB includes the core CR and the conductivelayer CL, the second diameter d₂ may be substantially the same as thesum of a diameter of the core CR and twice the thickness of theconductive layer CL. Since the second diameter d₂ is less than the firstdiameter d₁, the conductive ball CB makes contact with the first sensingelectrode TSE1 and the conductive ball CB is spaced apart from thesecond sensing electrode TSE2. When an outer pressure is applied to thetouch screen panel 501, the second sensing electrode TSE2 makes contactwith the conductive ball CB so that the first sensing electrode TSE1becomes electrically connected to the second sensing electrode TSE2. Thefirst and second sensing electrodes TSE1 and TSE2 are electricallyconnected each other by the conductive ball CB. Therefore, the first andsecond touch screen substrates 101 and 201 may be electrically connectedto each other.

The conductive ball CB is fixed on the first touch screen substrate 101by a second hardener 20 which is formed around a second contact pointbetween the conductive ball CB and the first sensing electrode TSE1. Thesecond hardener 20 is formed around the second contact point when theconductive ball CB is disposed on the first touch screen substrate 101.

Since both the insulation ball IB and the conductive ball CB arespherically shaped for desirable elastic properties and/or restoringforces, the touch screen panel 501 may easily restore itself to anunpressured state from the pressured state resulting from theapplication of outer pressure. In addition, the first and second sensingelectrodes TSE1 and TSE2 easily contact each other, enhancing the touchsensitivity of the touch screen panel.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the touch screen panel 501according to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3will be described referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a firsttouch screen substrate of FIG. 3.

First, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a gate pattern including the gateline GL and the gate electrode GE is formed on the first base substrate110 and in the light blocking region LBA. A gate metal layer ispatterned via a photolithography process to form the gate pattern. Thegate insulation layer 120 and the active pattern AP are sequentiallyformed on the first base substrate 110 including the gate pattern. Asource pattern including the data line DL, the source and drainelectrodes SE and DE is formed on the first base substrate 110 includingthe active pattern AP in the light blocking region LBA. A source metallayer is patterned via a photolithography process to form the sourcepattern. The passivation layer 140 is formed on the first base substrate110 including the source pattern, and the color filter 150 is formed onthe passivation layer 140 in the light transmission region TA. The blackmatrix pattern 160 is formed on the passivation layer 140 in the lightblocking region LBA.

A transparent electrode layer is formed on the first base substrate 110including the color filter 150 and the black matrix pattern 160. Forexample, the transparent electrode layer may include indium tin oxide(ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The transparent electrode layer ispatterned via a photolithography process to form the pixel electrode PEin the light transmission region TA and to form the first sensor lineTSL1 and the first sensing electrode TSE1 in the light blocking regionLBA.

The insulation balls 1B and the conductive balls CB are disposed on thetouch screen substrate 101 including the pixel electrode PE, the firstsensor line TSL1 and the first sensing electrode TSE1.

Referring to FIG. 4, a first print assembly AS1 is disposed over thefirst touch screen substrate 101 including the pixel electrode PE, thefirst sensor line TSL1 and the first sensing electrode TSE1. The firstprint assembly AS1 moves over the first touch screen substrate 101 alonga third direction D3 to dispose the insulation balls 1B and theconductive balls CB on the first touch screen substrate 101. The thirddirection D3 may be substantially the same as either the first directionD1 or the second direction D2. In the present exemplary embodiment, thethird direction D3 is substantially the same as the second direction D2.

The first print assembly AS1 includes a first print head PH1 and asecond print head PH2. Each of the first and second print heads PH1 andPH2 includes a plurality of nozzles, and each of the nozzles may sprayink on the first touch screen substrate 101. The first print head PH1 isfilled with a first ink including the insulation balls IB and a firstsolvent. The first solvent may include distilled water, glycerin,surfactants, etc. The insulation balls IB, being solids, are dispersedin the first solvent so that the insulation balls IB may be disposed onthe first touch screen substrate 101 by spraying the first ink throughthe nozzles. The second print head PH2 is filled with a second inkincluding the conductive balls CB and a second solvent. The secondsolvent may also include distilled water, glycerin, surfactants, etc.The conductive balls CB, also being solids, are dispersed in the secondsolvent so that the conductive balls CB may be disposed on the firsttouch screen substrate 101 by spraying the second ink through thenozzles. An interval between spraying the first ink of the first printhead PH1 and spraying the second ink of the second print head PH2 iscontrolled so that the first print assembly AS1 passes over the lighttransmission region TA and sprays the first and second inks onto thelight blocking region LBA.

A nozzle pitch of each of the first and second print heads PH1 and PH2may be defined as a distance between centers of the light transmissionregions TA adjacent to each other. When the odd-numbered nozzles of thefirst print head PH1 are open and even-numbered nozzles of the firstprint head PH1 are closed, the first ink may be sprayed on the firsttouch screen substrate 101. At the same time, when even-numbered nozzlesof the second print head PH2 are open and odd-numbered nozzles of thesecond print head PH2 are closed, then the second ink may be sprayed onthe first touch screen substrate 101. Therefore, the insulation balls IBor the conductive balls CB may be arranged in the second direction D2.

Although not shown in the figures, if the nozzle pitch is twice thedistance between centers of the light transmission regions TA adjacentto each other, the nozzles of the first print head PH1 and the nozzlesof the second print head PH2 may be alternately disposed with eachother. The odd-numbered nozzles of the second print head PH2 may bedisposed adjacent to the even-numbered nozzles of the first print headPH1.

Hereinafter, a process for fixing the insulation balls IB and theconductive balls CB on the first touch screen substrate 101 afterspraying the insulation balls IB and the conductive balls CB on thefirst touch screen substrate 101 will be described in detail, referringto FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic views illustrating a process for formingan insulation ball and a conductive ball of FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 5A, when the second ink is sprayed on the firstsensing electrode TSE1 by the second print head PH2, the conductive ballCB and the second solvent SV are disposed on the first sensing electrodeTSE1. The second solvent SV is disposed around the second contact pointbetween the conductive ball CB and the first sensing electrode TSE1 dueto viscosity of the second solvent SV and/or gravitational force betweenthe conductive ball CB and the second solvent SV.

Referring to FIG. 5B, most of the second solvent SV evaporates in afixing process, although some of second solvent SV remains around thesecond contact point. The fixing process may be performed by eitherheating the first touch screen substrate 101 or irradiating light ontothe first touch screen substrate 100. The remaining second solvent SV ishardened during the fixing process to form the second hardener 20 aroundthe second contact point.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the second hardener 20 is formedvia an additional fixing process. Alternatively, when the second inksprayed on the first touch screen substrate 101 is left alone for apredetermined time, most of the second solvent SV evaporates into theair and the remaining second solvent SV partially hardens to form thesecond hardener 20.

The first hardener 10 may be also formed around the first contact pointbetween the insulation ball IB and the first sensor line TSL1 in thesame way as the second hardener 20 is formed, as illustrated in FIGS. 5Aand 5B.

Thus, the insulation balls IB and the conductive balls CB are fixed onthe first touch screen substrate 101.

After the liquid crystals are disposed on the first touch screensubstrate 101 including the insulation balls IB and the conductive ballsCB, the first touch screen substrate 101 may be combined with the secondtouch screen substrate 201 including the common electrode CE and thesecond sensing electrode TSE2. Accordingly, the touch screen panel 501including the insulation balls IB and the conductive balls CB interposedbetween the first and second touch screen substrates 101 and 201 ismanufactured.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the insulation balls IBand the conductive balls CB are formed via a single process using thefirst and second inks, simplifying a method of manufacturing the touchscreen panel 501 as compared to a photolithography process. Further, byusing the insulation balls IB and the conductive balls CB, the firstsensor line TSL1 and the common electrode CE will not be electricallyconnected to each other by the independent processes of patterning thefirst sensor line TSL1 and patterning the common electrode CE.

Furthermore, the first touch screen panel 501 may easily restore itselfto an unpressured state from a pressured state resulting from theapplication of outer pressure. Therefore, the first and second sensingelectrodes TSE1 and TSE2 may easily contact each other, enhancing thetouch sensitivity of the touch screen panel 501.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch screen panelaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, a touch screen panel 502 according the presentexemplary embodiment includes a first touch screen substrate 101 as alower substrate, a second touch screen substrate 201 as an uppersubstrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first andsecond touch screen substrates 101 and 201, insulation balls 1B andconductive balls CR.

The first touch screen substrate 101 includes signal lines, such as adata line DL, a TFT SW, a color filter 150, a black matrix pattern 160,a first sensor line TSL1, a first sensing electrode TSE1 and a pixelelectrode PEI. The second touch screen substrate 201 includes a secondsensing electrode TSE2 and a common electrode CE. The touch screen panel502 according to the present exemplary embodiment is substantially thesame as the touch screen panel 501 according to the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, except that the insulation balls IB and theconductive balls CB are formed on the second touch screen substrate 201.Thus, any further repetitive description will be omitted.

The insulation balls IB are interposed between the common electrode CEand the first sensor line TSL1. The insulation balls 1B make contactwith both the common electrode CE and the first sensor line TSL1. Theinsulation balls IB are fixed on the second touch screen substrate 201by a third hardener 30 which is formed around a third contact pointbetween the common electrode CE and each insulation ball IB.

The conductive balls CB are interposed between the first and secondsensing electrodes TSE1 and TSE2. The conductive balls CB make contactwith the second sensing electrode TSE2 and are spaced apart from thefirst sensing electrode TSE1. The conductive balls CB are fixed on thesecond touch screen substrate 201 by a fourth hardener 40 which isformed around a fourth contact point between the second sensingelectrode TSE2 and each conductive ball CB. When an outer pressure isapplied to the second touch screen panel 502, the conductive ball CBmakes contact with the first sensing electrode TSE1 so that the firstsensing electrode TSE1 becomes electrically connected to the secondsensing electrode TSE2. The first and second sensing electrodes TSE1 andTSE2 are electrically connected to each other via the conductive ballCR.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a touch screen panel 502according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described,referring to FIGS. 6 and 7.

A method of manufacturing a touch screen panel 502 according the presentexemplary embodiment is substantially the same as a method ofmanufacturing the touch screen panel 501 according to the exemplaryembodiment in FIGS. 4 to 5B, except that the insulation balls IB and theconductive balls CB are formed on the second touch screen substrate 201.Thus, any further repetitive description will be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touchscreen substrate of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a first print assembly AS1 is disposed overthe second touch screen substrate 201 including the common electrode CEand the second sensing electrode TSE2. The first print assembly AS1moves over the second touch screen substrate 201 in a third direction D3to dispose the insulation balls IB and the conductive balls CB on thesecond touch screen substrate 201.

The insulation balls IB are formed on a light blocking region LBA of thesecond touch screen substrate 201 facing the first sensor line TSL1. Theconductive balls CB are formed in the light blocking region LBA of thesecond base substrate 210 facing the first sensing electrode TSE1.Although the second touch screen substrate 201 does not include a lightblocking pattern, such as the signal lines or the black matrix pattern160 formed on the first touch screen substrate 101, regions facing thesignal lines and the TFT SW of the first touch screen substrate 101 aredefined as the light blocking region LBA of the second touch screensubstrate 201. The insulation balls IB and the conductive balls CB areformed on the second base substrate 210 in the light blocking regionLBA.

The third hardener 30 is formed around the third contact point betweenthe insulation balls IB and the common electrode CE via a fixingprocess. The fourth hardener 40 is formed around the fourth contactpoint between the conductive balls CB and the second sensing electrodeTSE2 via the fixing process. Thus, the insulation balls IB and theconductive balls CB are fixed on the second touch screen substrate 201.The process of forming the third and fourth hardeners 30 and 40according to the present exemplary embodiment is substantially the sameas the process of forming the second hardener 20 according to theexemplary embodiment in FIGS. 5A and 5B except that the third and fourthhardeners 30 and 40 are formed on the second touch screen substrate 201.Thus, any further repetitive description will be omitted.

Then, after liquid crystals are disposed on the second touch screensubstrate 201 including the insulation ball IB and the conductive ballCB, the second touch screen substrate 201 may be combined with the firsttouch screen substrate 101 including the first sensor line TSL1 and thefirst sensing electrode TSE1. Accordingly, the touch screen panel 502according to the present exemplary embodiment is manufactured.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch screen panelaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8A, a touch screen panel 503 according to the presentexemplary embodiment includes a first touch screen substrate 102 as alower substrate, a second touch screen substrate 202 as an uppersubstrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first andsecond touch screen substrates 102 and 202, insulation balls 1B andconductive balls CB.

The first touch screen substrate 102 includes signal lines, such as adata line DL, a passivation layer 140, an organic layer 170, a pixelelectrode PE, a first sensor line TSL1 and a first sensing electrodeTSE1. The second touch screen substrate 202 includes a black matrixpattern 220, a color filter 230, an over-coating layer 240, a commonelectrode CE and a second sensing electrode TSE2. The touch screen panel503 according to the present exemplary embodiment is substantially thesame as the touch screen panel 502 according to the exemplary embodimentin FIG. 6, except that the first touch screen substrate 102 includes theorganic layer 170 and the second touch screen substrate 202 includes theblack matrix pattern 220, the color filter 230, and the over-coatinglayer 240. Thus, any further repetitive description will be omitted.

The signal lines, the first sensor line TSL1 and the first sensingelectrode TSE1 are formed on a first base substrate 110 in a lightblocking region LBA of the touch screen panel 502. The pixel electrodePE is formed on the first base substrate 110 in a light transmissionregion TA. The organic layer 170 is formed on the first base substrate110 in the light transmission region TA and the light blocking regionLBA.

The black matrix pattern 220 is formed on the second base substrate 210in the light blocking region LBA. The color filter 230 is formed on thesecond base substrate 210 in the light transmission region TA. Theover-coating layer 240 is formed on the second base substrate 210 in thelight blocking region LBA and the light transmission region TA.

The second sensing electrode TSE2 is formed on the second base substrate210 facing the first sensing electrode TSE1 in the light blocking regionLBA. The common electrode CE is formed on the second base substrate 210in the light transmission region TA and the light blocking region LBAexcept a region corresponding to the second sensing electrode TSE2.

The insulation balls 1B makes contact with the common electrode CE. Theinsulation balls 1B are fixed on the second touch screen substrate 202by a third hardener 30 which is formed around a third contact pointbetween the common electrode CE and each insulation ball IB. Theconductive balls CB make contact with the second sensing electrode TSE2.The conductive balls CR are fixed on the second touch screen substrate202 by a fourth hardener 40 which is formed around a fourth contactpoint between the second sensing electrode TSE2 and each conductive ballCB.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a touch screen panel 503according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described,referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the black matrix pattern 220 and the color filter230 are formed on the second base substrate 210. For example, the blackmatrix pattern 220 may be formed on the second base substrate 210 in thelight blocking region LBA, and the color filter 230 may be formed on thesecond base substrate 210 in the light transmission region TA, which isdivided by the black matrix pattern 220.

The over-coating layer 240 is formed on the second base substrate 210including the black matrix pattern 220 and the color filter 230. Thecommon electrode CE and the second sensing electrode TSE2 are formed onthe over-coating layer 240.

FIG. 8B is a plan view illustrating a touch screen substrate of FIG. 8A.

Referring to FIG. 8B, a first print assembly AS1 is disposed over thetouch screen substrate 202 including the common electrode CE and thesecond sensing electrode TSE2. The first print assembly AS1 moves overthe second touch screen substrate 202 along a third direction D3 todispose the insulation balls IB and the conductive ball CB on the secondtouch screen substrate 202.

The insulation balls IB and the conductive balls CB are fixed on thesecond touch screen substrate 202 via a fixing process. A fixing processaccording to the present exemplary embodiment is substantially the sameas a process according to the exemplary embodiment described in FIGS. 4,5A and 5B, except that the insulation balls IB and the conductive ballsCB are fixed on the second touch screen substrate 202. Thus, any furtherrepetitive description will be omitted.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the insulation balls IBand the conductive balls CB are formed via a single process using firstand second inks, simplifying a method of manufacturing the touch screenpanel 503 as compared to using a photolithography process. Further, thetouch screen panel 503 may easily restore itself to an unpressured statefrom a pressured state resulting from an application of outer pressure.Therefore, the first and second sensing electrodes TSE1 and TSE2 mayeasily contact each other, enhancing the touch sensitivity of the touchscreen panel 503.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a touch screen panel manufacturedaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, a touch screen panel 504 according to the presentexemplary embodiment includes a first touch screen substrate 101 as alower substrate, a second touch screen substrate 201 as an uppersubstrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first andsecond touch screen substrates 101 and 201, a first spacer SP1 and asecond spacer SP2.

The first touch screen substrate 101 includes signal lines such as adata line DL, a TFT SW, a color filter 150, a black matrix pattern 160,a first sensor line TSL1, a first sensing electrode TSE1 and a pixelelectrode PE. The second touch screen substrate 201 includes a secondsensing electrode TSE2 and a common electrode CE. The touch screen panel504 according to the present exemplary embodiment is substantially thesame as the touch screen panel 501 according to the exemplary embodimentdescribed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, except that the first and second spacersSP1 and SP2 are interposed between the first and second touch screensubstrates 101 and 201. Thus, any further repetitive description will beomitted.

The first and second spacers SP1 and SP2 are interposed between a firstbase substrate 110 and a second base substrate 210 in a light blockingregion LBA of the touch screen panel 504. For example, the first andsecond spacers SP1 and SP2 are both disposed on the first base substrate110 in the light blocking region LBA.

The first spacer SP1 has a first height h₁ and is an insulator. Thefirst height h₁ is substantially the same as a cell gap “dt” of thetouch screen panel 504. The first spacers SP1 may uniformly maintain thecell gap “dt.” The first spacers SP1 may be disposed on the first sensorline TSL1. The first spacers SP1 make contact with the first sensor lineTSL1 and the common electrode CE. A first portion of the first spacerSP1 makes contact with the first sensor line TSL1 and a second portionopposite to the first portion of the first spacer SN makes contact withthe common electrode CE. A cross-section area of the first portion iswider than that of the second portion. Since the first spacer SP1 is aninsulator, the first sensor line TSL1 is not electrically connected tothe common electrode CE although the first spacers SP1 are interposedbetween the first sensor line TSL1 and the common electrode CE.

The second spacers SP2 are formed on the first sensing electrode TSE1.The second spacer SP2 has a second height h₂ and is a conductor. Thesecond height h₂ is less than the first height h₁. For example, thesecond height h₂ may be in a range between about 85% and about 95% ofthe first height h₁. Since the second height h₂ is less than the firstheight h₁, the second spacer SP2 makes contact with the first sensingelectrode TSE1 but is spaced apart from the second sensing electrodeTSE2. When an outer pressure is applied to the touch screen panel 504,the second sensing electrode TSE2 contacts the second spacer SP2 so thatthe first sensing electrode TSE1 becomes electrically connected to thesecond sensing electrode TSE2. The first and second sensing electrodesTSE1 and TSE2 are electrically connected each other by the second spacerSP2. Therefore, the first and second touch screen substrates 101 and 201may be electrically connected to each other.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the touch screen panel 504according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described,referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 11A and 11B.

A method of manufacturing the touch screen panel 504 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as a method ofmanufacturing the touch screen panel 501 according to the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, except for the first and secondspacers SP1 and SP2. Thus, any further repetitive description will beomitted.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touchscreen substrate of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a second print assembly AS2 is disposedover the first touch screen substrate 101 including the pixel electrodePE, the first sensor line TSL1 and the first sensing electrode TSE1. Thesecond print assembly AS2 moves over the first touch screen substrate101 in a third direction D3 to spray a first ink and a second ink ontothe first touch screen substrate 101. The amount of sprayed first inkmay be substantially the same as that of the second ink. The first inkmay be a photo-sensitive insulator and the second ink may be aphoto-sensitive conductor. Each of the first and second inks may includeoligomers, acrylate carriers, reactive monomers, photo-initiators, etc.The second ink further includes conductive particles, in contrast to thefirst ink.

The second print assembly AS2 includes a third print head PH3 and afourth print head PH4. Each of the third and fourth print heads PH3 andPH4 includes a plurality of nozzles, and each of the nozzles may spraythe first ink or the second ink onto the first touch screen substrate101. The third print head PH3 is filled with the first ink, and thefourth print head PH4 is filled with the second ink. An interval betweenspraying the first ink of the third print head PH3 and spraying thesecond ink of the fourth print head PH4 is controlled so that the secondprint assembly AS2 moves over the light transmission region TA andsprays the first and second inks onto the light blocking region LBA.

A nozzle pitch of each of the third and fourth print heads PH3 and PH4may be defined as a distance between centers of the light transmissionregions TA adjacent to each other. When the odd-numbered nozzles of thethird print head PH3 are open and the even-numbered nozzles of the thirdprint head PH3 are closed, the first ink is sprayed onto the first touchscreen substrate 101. Simultaneously, the even-numbered nozzles of thefourth print head PH4 are open and the odd-numbered nozzles of thefourth print head PH4 are closed, and the second ink is sprayed onto thefirst touch screen substrate 101. Therefore, the first spacers SP1 orthe second spacers SP2 may be arranged in the second direction D2.Alternatively, the first and second spacers SP1 and SP2 may be arrangedin a direction crossing the third direction D3.

Hereinafter, a process of forming first and second spacers SP1 and SP2on the first touch screen substrate 101 by spraying the first and secondinks onto the first touch screen substrate 101 will be described indetail, referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic views illustrating a process for forminga first spacer and a second spacer of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 11A, when the first ink is sprayed onto the firstsensor line TSL1 by the third print head PH3, a first ink droplet IK1has a third height h₃ as an initial height and a first width w₁ due tothe viscosity of the first ink. Similarly, when the second ink issprayed on the first sensing electrode TSE1 by the fourth print headPH4, a second ink droplet IK2 has a fourth height h₄ as an initialheight and a second width w₂. Since the amount of the first ink sprayedon the first sensor line TSL1 is substantially the same as that of thesecond ink sprayed on the first sensing electrode TSE1, the third heighth₃ and the fourth height h₄ may be substantially the same and the firstand second widths w₁ and w₂ may be substantially the same.

A first light E₁ having a first wavelength is irradiated upon the firstink droplet IK1 during a first period t₁. A second light E₂ having asecond wavelength is irradiated upon the second ink droplet IK2 during asecond period t₂. The first wavelength may be substantially the same asthat of the second wavelength, and the second period t₂ is shorter thanthe first period t₁. Therefore, a total amount of energy provided to thefirst ink droplet IK1 is relatively greater than that provided to thesecond ink droplet IK2.

Alternatively, the first wavelength may be different from the secondwavelength. For example, the first wavelength may be shorter than thatof the second wavelength. The first period t₁ is substantially the sameas the second period t₂. Therefore, a total amount of energy provided tothe first ink droplet IK1 is relatively greater than that provided tothe second ink droplet IK2.

In the present exemplary embodiment, each of the first wavelength andthe second wavelength may be in the ultraviolet range of electromagneticspectrum. Referring to FIG. 11B, the first light E₁ is irradiated uponthe first ink droplet IK1 during the first period t₁ to form the firstspacer SP1 having the first height h₁. The first height h₁ may besubstantially the same as the third height h₃. Here, the third width w₃may be substantially the same as the first width w₁. Alternatively, thefirst height h₁ may be less than the third height h₃, and the thirdwidth w₃ may be wider than the first width w₁.

The second light E₂ is irradiated upon the second ink droplet IK2 duringthe second period t₂ to form the second spacer SP2 having the firstheight h₂. The second height h₂ is lower than the first height h₁. Inaddition, the second height h₂ is lower than the third height h₃. Here,the fourth width w₄ is wider than the second width w₂, and the fourthwidth w₄ is wider than the third width w₃.

Since the second ink droplet IK2 is provided with less energy than thefirst ink droplet IK1, the second ink droplet IK2 hardens after beingspread on the first sensing electrode TSE1, decreasing its height fromthe fourth height h₄ to the second height h₂. Thus, the second spacerSP2 comes to have the second height h₂. In contrast, the first inkdroplet IK1 may harden for a shorter period so that the first spacer SP1may have the third height h₃. Alternatively, the first spacer SP1 mayhave the first height h₁ if the first ink droplet IK1 hardens before thefirst ink droplet IK1 decreases in height.

Then, after liquid crystals are disposed on the first touch screensubstrate 101 including the first and second spacers SP1 and SP2, thefirst touch screen substrate 101 is combined with the second touchscreen substrate 201 including the common electrode CE and the secondsensing electrode TSE2. Accordingly, the touch screen panel 504according to the present exemplary embodiment is manufactured.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, although the amount ofthe first ink is substantially the same as that of the second ink, thefirst and second inks have different properties, so that the amount ofenergy applied to each droplet may be adjusted to easily form the firstand second spacers SP1 and SP2. The process of forming the first andsecond spacers SP1 and SP2 includes simultaneously spraying the firstand second inks by the second print assembly AS2 and irradiating lightupon the first and second inks to simplify a method of manufacturing thetouch screen panel 504.

In addition, neither the first sensor line TSL1 nor the common electrodeCE will contact the first spacer without first patterning the firstsensor line TSL1 and the common electrode CE.

The light may be irradiated via a single process including moving afirst light source and a second light source along the third directionD3. The first and second light sources irradiate light having differentwavelengths. In addition, the light may be irradiated via a simpleprocess that includes adjusting durations by which the light isirradiated to the first and second ink droplets IK1 and IK2 using thesame light source.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch screen panelmanufactured according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 12, a touch screen panel 505 according to the presentexemplary embodiment includes a first touch screen substrate 102 as alower substrate, a second touch screen substrate 202 as an uppersubstrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first andsecond touch screen substrates 102 and 202, a first spacer SP1 and asecond spacer SP2.

The first touch screen substrate 102 includes signal lines such as adata line DL, a passivation layer 140, an organic layer 170, a pixelelectrode PE, a first sensor line TSL1 and a first sensing electrodeTSE1. The second touch screen substrate 202 includes a black matrixpattern 220, a color filter 230, an over-coating layer 240, a commonelectrode CE and a second sensing electrode TSE2. The touch screen panel505 according to the present exemplary embodiment is substantially thesame as the touch screen panel 503 according to the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 8A except for including the first and second spacersSP1 and SP2. Thus, any further repetitive description will be omitted.

The first spacer SP1 is formed on the common electrode CE. The firstspacer SP1 has a first height h₁ and is an insulator. The first heighth₁ is substantially the same as a cell gap “dt” of the touch screenpanel 505. The first spacer SP1 may uniformly maintain the cell gap“dt.” The first spacer SP1 may be disposed on the first sensor lineTSL1. The first spacer SP1 according to the present exemplary embodimentis substantially the same as the first spacer SP1 according to theexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, except that a first portionof the first spacer SP1 makes contact with the common electrode CE and asecond portion opposite to the first portion of the first spacer SP1makes contact with the first sensor line TSL1, and a cross-section areaof the first portion is wider that that of the second portion. Thus, anyfurther repetitive description will be omitted.

The second spacer SP2 is formed on the second sensing electrode TSE2.The second spacer SP1 has a second height h₂ and is a conductor. Thesecond height h₂ is lower than the first height h_(t). The second spacerSP2 according to the present exemplary embodiment is substantially thesame as the second spacer SP2 according to the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 9 except that the second spacer SP2 is formed on thesecond sensing electrode TSE2. Thus, any further repetitive descriptionwill be omitted.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the touch screen panel 505according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described,referring to FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touchscreen substrate of FIG. 12.

Referring to FIG. 13, a second print assembly AS2 is disposed over thesecond touch screen substrate 202 including the second sensing electrodeTSE2 and the common electrode CE. The second print assembly AS2 movesover the second touch screen substrate 202 in a third direction D3 sothat a first ink and a second ink are sprayed onto the second touchscreen substrate 202. An amount of the sprayed first ink may besubstantially the same that of the second ink. The first ink may be aphoto-sensitive insulator and the second ink may be a photo-sensitiveconductor.

A process for forming the first and second spacers SP1 and SP2 accordingto the present exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as theprocess according to the exemplary embodiment described in FIGS. 11A and11B, except for the first and second spacers SP1 and SP2 are formed onthe second touch screen substrate 202. Thus, any further repetitivedescription will be omitted.

After liquid crystals are disposed on the second touch screen substrate202 including the first and second spacers SP1 and SP2, the second touchscreen substrate 202 is combined with the first touch screen substrate102 including the pixel electrode PE, the first sensing electrode TSE1and the first sensor line TSL1. Accordingly, the touch screen panel 505according to the present exemplary embodiment is manufactured.

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a touch screen panel manufacturedaccording to still another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line of FIG.14.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a touch screen panel 506 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment includes a first touch screen substrate 103as a lower substrate, a second touch screen substrate 201 as an uppersubstrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first andsecond touch screen substrates 103 and 201. The first and second touchscreen substrates 103 and 201 are uniformly spaced apart from eachother.

The first touch screen substrate 103 includes a first base substrate110, signal lines such as a gate line GL and a data line DL, a TFT SW, acolor filter 150, a black matrix pattern 160, a first spacer SP1, asecond sensor line TSL2, a second spacer SP2, a first sensing electrodeTSE1 and a pixel electrode PE. The first touch screen substrate 103according to the present exemplary'embodiment is substantially the sameas the first touch screen substrate 101 according to the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, except for the first spacer SP1, thesecond sensor line TSL2, the second spacer SP2 and the first sensingelectrode TSE1. Thus, any further repetitive description will beomitted.

The second sensor line TSL2 may be formed on the black matrix pattern160. The second sensor line TSL2 is connected to the first sensingelectrode TSE1. The second sensor line TSL2 extends in a first directionD1 and is spaced apart from the gate line GL in a second direction D2.The second sensor line TSL2 does not overlap with the first spacer SP1.For example, when viewed in a plane, the second sensor line TSL2 has arectangular shape extending in the first direction D1, and the extendingdirection of the second sensor line TSL2 shifts in the second directionD2 in a region about the first spacer SP1 and extends again in the firstdirection D1. Alternatively, the second sensor line TSL2 may have arectangular shape extending in the first direction D1 with a holeexposing the first spacer SP1.

The first and second spacers SP1 and SP2 are formed on the first basesubstrate 110 in a light blocking region LBA of the touch screen panel506. In other embodiments, most of the first and second spacers SP1 andSP2 are formed on the color filter 150 which is disposed on a portion ofthe light blocking region LBA and a light transmission region TA. Here,the first spacer SP1 may contact the color filter 150 and the commonelectrode CE. The second spacer SP2 is formed on the color filter 150 inthe light blocking region LBA, and the first sensing electrode TSE1 isformed on the second spacer SP2. Alternatively, the first and secondspacers SP1 and SP2 may be formed on the black matrix pattern 160 sothat the first spacer SP1 may contact the black matrix pattern 160 andthe first sensing electrode TSE1 may be formed on the second spacer SP2disposed on the black matrix pattern 160.

The first spacer SP1 has a first height h₁ and is an insulator. Thefirst height h₁ is substantially the same as a cell gap “dt” of thetouch screen panel 506. The first spacer SP1 may uniformly maintain thecell gap “dt.” The first spacer SP1 is substantially the same as thefirst spacer SP1 illustrated in FIG. 9, except that the first spacer SP1does not overlap with the second sensor line TSL2. Thus, any furtherrepetitive description will be omitted.

The second spacer SP2 has a second height h₂ and is an insulator. Thesecond height h₂ is lower than the first height h₁. The second spacerSP2 is formed on the first base substrate 110 and is spaced apart fromthe second touch screen substrate 201. When an outer pressure is appliedto the touch screen panel 506, the first sensing electrode TSE1 formedon the second spacer SP2 may contact the second sensing electrode TSE2.Since the second spacer SP2 has is an insulator, the second spacer SPitself does not contact the second touch screen substrate 201. However,the first sensing electrode TSE1 formed on the second spacer SP2 doescontact the second sensing electrode TSE2 to electrically connect thefirst and second touch screen substrates 103 and 201 to each other.

The second touch screen substrate 201 according to the present exemplaryembodiment is substantially the same as the second touch screensubstrate 201 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.3. Thus, any further repetitive description will be omitted.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the touch screen panel 506according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described,referring to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the gate line GL, a gate insulating layer120, the data line DL, a passivation layer 140, the color filter 150 andthe black matrix pattern 160 are sequentially formed on the first basesubstrate 110.

The first and second spacers SP1 and SP2 are formed on the first basesubstrate 110 including the color filter 150 and the black matrixpattern 160. Hereinafter, the first base substrate 110 including thecolor filter 150 and the black matrix pattern 160 is referred to as the“first pre-screen substrate 104.”

FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a firsttouch screen substrate of FIG. 15.

Referring to FIG. 16, a fifth print head PH5 is disposed over the firstpre-screen substrate 104. The fifth print head PH5 moves over the firstpre-screen substrate 104 in a third direction D3 to spray a third inkonto the first pre-screen substrate 104. The fifth print head PH5includes a plurality of nozzles, and a nozzle pitch of the nozzles maybe substantially the same as a distance between centers of adjacentlight transmission regions TA. After opening all of the nozzles, thethird ink may be sprayed onto the first pre-screen substrate 104.Therefore, the third ink may be sprayed in a forming region of the firstspacer SP1 and a forming region of the second spacer SP2 of the firstpre-screen substrate 104. An amount of the third ink sprayed in theforming region of the first spacer SP1 may be substantially the same asthat sprayed on the forming region of the second spacer SP2.

A third ink droplet (not shown) of the third ink sprayed onto the firstpre-screen substrate 104 is hardened by light. An intensity of a firstlight irradiated upon the first spacer SP1 forming region is differentfrom an intensity of a second light irradiated upon the second spacerSP2 forming region. For example, the first intensity may be strongerthan the second intensity. Methods of adjusting the first and secondintensities of radiation according to the present exemplary embodimentare substantially the same as the methods according to the exemplaryembodiment described in FIGS. 11A and 11B, except that the light isirradiated upon the third ink droplet. Thus, any further repetitivedescription will be omitted. Therefore, the first and second spacers SP1and SP2 having differing heights are formed on the first pre-screensubstrate 104.

Referring to FIG. 15 again, a transparent electrode layer is formed onthe first pre-screen substrate 104 including the first and secondspacers SP1 and SP2. The transparent electrode layer is patterned toform the pixel electrode PE, the second sensor line TSL2 and the firstsensing electrode TSE1. Thus, the first touch screen substrate 103 ofthe touch screen panel 506 according to the present exemplary embodimentis manufactured.

Then, after liquid crystals are disposed on the first touch screensubstrate 103, the first touch screen substrate 103 may be combined withthe second touch screen substrate 201 including the common electrode CEand the second sensing electrode TSE2. Accordingly, the touch screenpanel 506 according to the present exemplary embodiment is manufactured.According to the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention,first and second spacers SP1 and SP2 with differing heights may beeasily formed.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch screen panelmanufactured according to still another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, a touch screen panel 507 includes a first touchscreen substrate 105 as a lower substrate, a second touch screensubstrate 203 as an upper substrate, and a liquid crystal layerinterposed between the first and second touch screen substrates 105 and203.

The first touch screen substrate 105 includes a first base substrate110, signal lines such as a data line DL, a second sensor line TSL2, afirst sensing electrode TSE1 and a pixel electrode PE. The first touchscreen substrate 105 according to the present exemplary embodiment issubstantially the same as the first touch screen substrate 102 accordingto the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A, except for thesecond sensor line TSL2. The second sensor line TSL2 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the secondsensor line TSL2 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15. Thus, any further repetitive description will beomitted.

The second touch screen substrate 203 includes a second base substrate210, a black matrix pattern 220, a color filter 230, an over-coatinglayer 240, a first spacer SP1, a second spacer SP2, a common electrodeCE, and a second sensing electrode TSE2. The second touch screensubstrate 203 according to the present exemplary embodiment issubstantially the same as the second touch screen substrate 202according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8B, exceptthat the second touch screen substrate 203 includes the first and secondspacers SP1 and SP2. Thus, any further repetitive description will beomitted. The first and second spacers SP1 and SP2 are formed on thesecond base substrate 210 in a light blocking region LBA.

The first spacer SP1 has a first height h₁ and is an insulator. Thefirst height h₁ is substantially the same as a cell gap “dt” of thetouch screen panel 507. The first spacer SP1 may uniformly maintain thecell gap “dt.” The first spacer SP1 according to the present exemplaryembodiment is substantially the same as the first spacer SP1 accordingto the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, except thatthe first spacer SP1 is formed on the second substrate 210. Thus, anyfurther repetitive description will be omitted.

The second spacer SP2 has a second height h₂ and is an insulator. Thesecond height h₂ is lower than the first height h₁. The second spacerSP2 is formed on the second base substrate 210 and is spaced apart fromthe first touch screen substrate 105. When an outer pressure is appliedto the touch screen panel 507, the second sensing electrode TSE2 formedon the second spacer SP2 may contact the first sensing electrode TSE1.Since the second spacer SP2 is an insulator, the second spacer SP itselfdoes not connect the first touch screen substrate 105 with the secondtouch screen substrate 203. However, the second sensing electrode TSE2formed on the second spacer SP2 does contact the first sensing electrodeTSE1 to electrically connect the first and second touch screensubstrates 105 and 203 to each other.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the touch screen panel 507according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described,referring to FIGS. 17 and 18.

Referring to FIG. 17, the color filter 230, the black matrix pattern 220and the over-coating layer 240 are sequentially formed on the secondbase substrate 210. The first and second spacers SP1 and SP2 are formedon the second base substrate 210 including the over-coating layer 240.Hereinafter, the second base substrate 210 including the over-coatinglayer 240 is referred to as the “second pre-screen substrate 204.”

FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touchscreen substrate of FIG. 17.

Referring to FIG. 18, a fifth print head PH5 is disposed over the secondpre-screen substrate 204. The fifth print head PH5 moves over the secondpre-screen substrate 204 in a third direction D3 to spray a third inkonto the second pre-screen substrate 204. A third ink droplet (notshown) sprayed on the second pre-screen substrate 204 hardens to formthe first and second spacers SP1 and SP2. A process for forming thefirst and second spacers SP1 and SP2 according to the present exemplaryembodiment is substantially the same as the process according to theexemplary embodiment described in FIG. 16, except that the first andsecond spacers SP1 and SP2 are formed on the second pre-screen substrate204. Thus, any further repetitive description will be omitted.

Again referring to FIG. 17, the common electrode CE and the secondsensing electrode TSE2 are formed on the second pre-screen substrate 204including the first and second spacers SP1 and SP2. Thus, the secondtouch screen substrate 203 of the touch screen panel 507 according tothe present exemplary embodiment is manufactured.

Then, after liquid crystals are disposed on the second touch screensubstrate 203, the second touch screen substrate 203 may be combinedwith the first touch screen substrate 105 including the pixel electrodePE, the second sensor line TSL2 and the first sensing electrode TSE1.Accordingly, the touch screen panel 507 according to the presentexemplary embodiment is manufactured. According to the present exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, the first and second spacers SP1and SP2 with differing heights may be easily formed.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch screen panelmanufactured according to still another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 19, a touch screen panel 508 according to the presentexemplary embodiment includes a first touch screen substrate 102 as alower substrate, a second touch screen substrate 205 as an uppersubstrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first andsecond touch screen substrates 102 and 205.

The first touch screen substrate 102 includes signal lines such as adata line DL, a passivation layer 140, an organic layer 170, a pixelelectrode PE, a first sensing electrode TSE1 and a first sensor lineTSL1. The first touch screen substrate 102 according to the presentexemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the first touch screensubstrate 102 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.8A. Thus, any further repetitive description will be omitted.

The second touch screen substrate 205 includes a second base substrate210, a black matrix pattern 220, a color filter 230, an over-coatinglayer 240, a common electrode CE, a second sensing electrode TSE2, afirst spacer SP1 and a second spacer SP2. The second touch screensubstrate 205 according to the present exemplary embodiment issubstantially the same as the second touch screen substrate 203according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 except thecommon electrode CE. Thus, any further repetitive description will beomitted.

The common electrode CE includes a hole exposing the first spacer SP1.If the first sensor line TSL1 extends in the first direction D1 asillustrated in FIG. 1 and the common electrode CE is formed on the firstspacer SP1, the common electrode CE will be connected to the firstsensor line TSL1 by the first spacer SP1. In contrast, if the commonelectrode CE includes a hole, the common electrode CE will beelectrically separated from the first sensor line TSL1 even though thefirst spacer SP1 makes contact with the common electrode CE and thefirst sensor line TSL1.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the touch screen panel 508according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described,referring to FIGS. 19 and 20.

Referring to FIG. 19, the black matrix pattern 220, the color filter 230and the over-coating layer 240 are formed on the second base substrate210. Hereinafter, the second base substrate 210 including theover-coating layer 240 is referred to as the “third pre-screen substrate206.”

FIG. 20 a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a secondtouch screen substrate of FIG. 19.

Referring to FIG. 20, a fifth print head PH5 is disposed over the thirdpre-screen substrate 206. The fifth print head PH5 moves over the thirdpre-screen substrate 206 in a third direction D3 to spray a third inkonto the third pre-screen substrate 206. A third ink droplet (not shown)sprayed on the third pre-screen substrate 206 hardens to form the firstand second spacers SP1 and SP2. A process for forming the first andsecond spacers SP1 and SP2 according to the present exemplary embodimentis substantially the same as the process according to the exemplaryembodiment described in FIG. 16, except that the first and secondspacers SP1 and SP2 are formed on the third pre-screen substrate 206.Thus, any further repetitive description will be omitted.

Referring again to FIG. 19, a transparent electrode layer is formed onthe third pre-screen substrate 206 including the first and secondspacers SP1 and SP2. The transparent electrode layer is patterned toform the common electrode CE including the hole and the second sensingelectrode TSE2. The hole of the common electrode CE exposes the firstspacer SP1. Thus, the second touch screen substrate 205 of the touchscreen panel 508 according to the present exemplary embodiment ismanufactured.

Then, after liquid crystals are disposed on the second touch screensubstrate 205, the second touch screen substrate 205 may be combinedwith the first touch screen substrate 102 including the pixel electrodePE, the first sensor line TSL1 and the first sensing electrode TSE1.Accordingly, the touch screen panel 508 according to the presentexemplary embodiment is manufactured. According an exemplary embodimentof the present invention, the first and second spacers SP1 and SP2 withdiffering heights may be easily formed.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the cell gap spacerand the touch spacer for sensing an outer pressure are formed via thesame process to improve manufacturing productivity of a touch screenpanel. In addition, using spherically shaped insulation balls andconductive balls for the cell gap spacers and the touch spacers enhancesthe touch sensitivity of the touch screen panel.

The foregoing is illustrative of embodiments of the present inventionand is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplaryembodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilledin the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possiblein exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novelteachings of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of exemplary embodiments of the present invention as definedin the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing isillustrative of embodiments of the present invention and is not to beconstrued as limited to the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed,and that modifications to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, as wellas other exemplary embodiments, are intended to be included within thescope of the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention aredefined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to beincluded therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of manufacturing a touch screensubstrate, the method comprising: forming a sensing electrode on asubstrate; spraying a first ink and a second ink having a same amount ofink as the first ink to respectively form a first ink droplet and asecond ink droplet on a light blocking region of the substrate; andirradiating a first light upon the first ink droplet to form a firstspacer having a first height and a second light upon the second inkdroplet to form a second spacer having a second height lower than thefirst height, wherein total energy of the first light irradiated uponthe first ink droplet differs from total energy of the second lightirradiated upon the second ink droplet, wherein said second spacer makescontact with said sensing electrode.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first ink is a photo-sensitive insulator, and the second ink is aphoto-sensitive conductor.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of thefirst and second inks is a photo-sensitive insulator, and the sensingelectrode is formed on the second spacer.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein said first light has a first wavelength and is irradiated uponthe first ink droplet during a first period; and said second light has asecond wavelength and is irradiated upon the second ink droplet during asecond period.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first wavelength issubstantially the same as the second wavelength, and the second periodis shorter than the first period.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein thefirst wavelength is shorter than the second wavelength, and the firstperiod is substantially the same as the second period.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the sensing electrode is formed in a light blockingregion surrounding a light transmission region of the substrate, andwherein the method further comprises forming a pixel electrode separatedfrom the sensing electrode in the light transmission region, and forminga sensor line connected to the sensing electrode spaced apart from thefirst spacer in the light blocking region.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the sensing electrode is formed in a light blocking regionsurrounding a light transmission region of the substrate, and whereinthe method further comprises forming a common electrode connected to thesensing electrode on the substrate, wherein the common electrodeincludes a hole exposing the second spacer.